GCSE Student Guide

Centre Name: Sullivan Upper School
EXAMINATIONS 2015
GCSE GUIDANCE FOR
STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Candidate Name:
Candidate No:
UCI:
Class:
CENTRE NUMBER: 71564
School Telephone Number: 028 90428780
CONTENTS
Introduction
2
Before the Examinations
Candidate Name
Candidate Number
Contact Numbers
Coursework
Entries
Equipment
Statements of Entries
Special Arrangements
Special Consideration
Timetables
UCI
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
Awarding Bodies
7
During the examinations
Exam Regulations
Attendance at exam
8
8
Invigilators
11
What to do if you are ill
12
After the Examinations
13
Appendices:
Appendix 1 Information for Candidates
Appendix 2 Contact Details
Appendix 3 Results
Appendix 4 Frequently Asked Questions
Appendix 5 Exam Check List
1
16
22
23
24
27
INTRODUCTION
It is the aim of Sullivan Upper School to make the examination experience as
stress-free and successful as possible for all candidates.
Hopefully, this booklet will prove informative and helpful for you and your
parents. Please read it carefully and show it your parents so that they are
also aware of the examination regulations and the procedures to follow in the
event of any problems occurring.
Mr Peel, as Principal of the School, is Head of the Sullivan Upper Examination
Centre. The administration of GCE and GCSE examinations is the
responsibility of the Examinations Officer, Mrs Milligan.
The Awarding Bodies (or Examination Boards) set down strict criteria which
must be followed for the conduct of examinations and Sullivan Upper School
is required to follow them precisely. You should therefore, pay particular
attention to the Notice to Candidates that is printed on Appendix 1.
Some of the questions you may have asked are answered at the back of this
booklet (See Appendix 4). An exam check list has also been provided at
Appendix 5 for your information. If there is anything you do not
understand or any question that has not been addressed, PLEASE ASK.
If you or your parents have any queries or need help or advice at any time
before, during or after the examinations please contact:
The Examinations Officer: Mrs Patricia Milligan
The school telephone number is: 028 90428780
Remember – we are here to help.
2
BEFORE THE EXAMINATIONS
CANDIDATE NAME:
 Candidates are entered under the name format of First Name + One
middle name + (Legal) Surname, e.g Adam John Smith.
CANDIDATE NUMBER:
 Each candidate has a four-digit candidate number. This is the number
you will enter on examination papers. It will appear next to your name
on seating plans and examination registers. Your candidate number is
on the front of this booklet. Please learn it.
CONTACT NUMBERS:
 Sometimes in the past students have had problems getting to an exam
on time. Although we encourage all students to arrive in plenty of time
for all exams so that there isn’t a last minute panic, it is important that
we have up-to-date contact telephone numbers for both you and your
parents, or anybody else who might be able to help in an emergency.
 If you are late for an exam, we may not be able to get the exam paper
accepted by the Awarding Bodies. Therefore we need to move fast if
there is a genuine problem.
 I also suggest that you save the School telephone number (028
90428780) on your mobile phone (if you will be carrying one) so you
call in if you have a serious problem on you journey to school.
 Please complete the relevant information in the table at Appendix
2 and return it to Mrs Milligan, Exams Officer. This will be kept
confidentially within the School for the duration of the exams.
3
COURSEWORK:
 During March and April, Coursework marks, Coursework samples and
estimated grades are collected from Departments and are sent to the
relevant Awarding Bodies in May. The School has an internal appeals
procedure to deal with concerns about Coursework. It should be
stressed that an appeal can only be considered against the processes
which led to the assessment and not against the mark or grade
awarded.
ENTRIES:
 Year 12 Pupils are entered for Summer GCSE examination sessions in
February of that year.
EQUIPMENT:
 Make sure that you have all the correct equipment before your
examinations. Check the regulations in the Notice to Candidates
(Appendix 1) and the information on the following pages.
STATEMENTS OF ENTRY:
 All candidates receive a statement of entry from the school indicating
the subjects they are being entered for and the levels of entry, where
applicable. Please check that these are correct. Some subjects only
have one tier of entry, some have Foundation or Higher tiers.
 Candidates may also receive statements of entry from the Awarding
Bodies. You must check everything on your Statements of Entry very
carefully. Particularly check that all personal details (e.g. date of birth,
spelling of names) are accurate as these will appear on certificates and
it may be difficult to change them once certificates are awarded.
4
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
 Special Arrangements are made for those pupils who have permanent
or long-term disabilities and/or learning difficulties and, where
appropriate, for those pupils who suffer temporary disabilities, illness
and indispositions during the examination period. After consultation
with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, Mrs Purcell, Mrs
Milligan will make an application to the relevant Awarding Bodies for
the appropriate Special Arrangement to be approved.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION:
 A candidate may be eligible for Special Consideration if;
o (a) Performance in an examination is affected by circumstances
beyond the control of the candidate, e.g. recent personal illness,
bereavement.
o (b) Part of an examination is missed due to circumstances
beyond the control of the candidate e.g. an accident. (Note that
there are minimum examination requirements that need to be
met for a grade to be awarded).
o (c) Special Arrangements, which were made in respect of a
permanent or long-term disability, proved inappropriate or
inadequate. Parents should contact Mrs Milligan regarding
Special Consideration. Evidence, e.g. a doctor’s letter, may be
required to support the application. Mrs Milligan applies to the
relevant Awarding Body for Special Consideration to be given to
a candidate. The Awarding Body decides the level of
Consideration given to a candidate, but parents should be aware
that no feedback is ever given.
5
TIMETABLES:
 You will receive an individual timetable showing your own specific
examinations with details of date, time, duration of exam, venue and
seat number. Check it carefully. If you think something is wrong
see Mrs Milligan in the Exams Office immediately.
 A few candidates might have a clash where two subjects are timetabled
at the same time.
The school will make special timetable
arrangements for these candidates only. The Examination Officer will
make each candidate aware of how their clash has been resolved and
check that they are happy with the arrangement. Also, on the day of
the clash, the Examination Officer and /or Invigilator will ensure that the
candidate is fully aware or their arrangements. If you think there is a
clash on your timetable that has not been resolved, please see
Mrs Milligan immediately.
UCI:
 In addition to a candidate number, each candidate must have a Unique
Candidate Identifier (12 numbers and 1 letter) which is shown on the
top of Statements of Entry. This number will usually begin with the
Centre Number (71564) unless you have transferred from another
school that had already issued your UCI.
Your UCI is used for
administration purposes and it is not necessary for you to remember it.
6
AWARDING BODIES:
SUBJECT
LEVEL
BOARD
Art & Design
GCSE
CCEA
Biology
GCSE
CCEA
Chemistry
GCSE
CCEA
Design & Technology
GCSE
CCEA
English
GCSE
CCEA
English Literature
GCSE
CCEA
Drama
GCSE
CCEA
French
GCSE
CCEA
Further Maths
GCSE
CCEA
Geography
GCSE
CCEA
German
GCSE
CCEA
History
GCSE
CCEA
Home Economics
GCSE
CCEA
ICT
GCSE
CCEA
Mathematics
GCSE
CCEA
Moving Image Arts
GCSE
CCEA
Music
GCSE
CCEA
Physical Education
GCSE
AQA
Physics
GCSE
CCEA
Religious Studies
GCSE
CCEA
Spanish
GCSE
CCEA
7
DURING THE EXAMINATIONS
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS:
 A copy of the “Notice to Candidates”, which is issued jointly by all the
Awarding Bodies, is printed at Appendix 1 of this booklet.
All
candidates must read this carefully and note that to break any of the
examination rules or regulations could lead to disqualification from all
subjects. The School Must report any breach of regulations to the
Awarding Body.
ATTENDANCE AT EXAMINATIONS
 Candidates are responsible for checking their own timetable and
arriving at school on the correct day and time, properly dressed and
equipped. Candidates must arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start
time of their examination. Please wait quietly outside your exam room
until you are invited to enter by the examination invigilators.
 Candidates who arrive late for an examination may still be admitted but
will not receive any additional time. If a special consideration applies
then you must speak to the Exams Officer.
 Full school uniform must be worn by all students attending school for
examinations.
 Candidates are not to bring mobile phones or other electronic devices
such as iPods, MP3 players, pagers, reading pens or any other
products with text or digital facilities into the examination room.
If
candidates have unauthorised items in an examination, this may
represent malpractice and could make you subject to sanctions and
8
penalties. A report would be forwarded to the Awarding Body. Any
mobile phones that are brought in must be switched off and handed to
the Invigilator at the start of the examination.
 All items of equipment, pens, pencils, mathematical instruments etc,
should be visible to the invigilators at all times. You must either use a
transparent pencil case or clear plastic bag.
 Pens should be black ink or ballpoint. NO erasers or correction pens
are allowed.
 For Mathematics and Science exams, students should check their
calculators conform to the examination regulations. If in doubt, check
with your teacher. Remove any covers or instructions and make sure
batteries are new.
 Please make sure that any watch alarms are turned off.
 Do not attempt to communicate or distract other candidates.
 Examination regulations are very strict regarding items that may be
taken in to the examination room. If you break these rules you will be
disqualified from the examination.
 Listen carefully to instructions and notices read out by the invigilators –
there may be amendments to the exam paper that you need to know
about.
 Check you have the correct question paper – check the subject, paper
and tier of entry.
 Read all instructions carefully and number your answers clearly.
9
 Candidates must stay in the examination room for at least one hour
after the published start time of the exam (or for the duration of the
exam if it is less than one hour) and cannot leave in the last 10
minutes. You will not be allowed to leave an examination room early. If
you have finished the paper use any time remaining to check over your
answers and that your have completed you details correctly.
 At the end of the examination all work must be handed in – remember
to cross out any rough work. If you have use more than one answer
book or loose sheets of paper ask for a tag to fasten them together in
the correct order.
 Invigilators will collect your exam papers before you leave the room.
Absolute silence must be maintained during this time. Remember you
are still under examination conditions until you have left the room.
 Question papers, answer booklets and additional paper must NOT be
taken from the exam room.
 Remain seated in silence until told to leave the examination room.
Please leave the room in silence and show consideration for other
candidates who may still be working.
 If the fire alarm sounds during an examination the examination
invigilators will tell you what to do. Don’t panic. If you have to evacuate
the room you will be asked to leave in silence and in the order in which
you are sitting. You will be escorted to a designated assembly point.
Leave everything on your desk. You must not attempt to communicate
with anyone else during the evacuation. When you return to the exam
room do not start writing until the invigilator tells you to. You will be
allowed the full working time for the examination and a report will be
sent to the awarding body detailing the incident.
10
INVIGILATORS
 The school employs external invigilators, led by Mrs Alison Allen, to
conduct the examinations in a number of venues around the School.
Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards all
invigilators and follow their instructions at all times.
 Invigilators are in the examination rooms to supervise the conduct of
the examination.
They will distribute and collect the examination
papers, tell candidates when to start and finish the examination, hand
out extra writing paper if required.
 If a pupil has any concerns during the examination, do not hesitate to
highlight them to the invigilators.
 To attract the invigilators attention, raise your hand and wait for the
invigilator to come to you.
 Invigilators cannot discuss the examination paper with you or explain
the questions.
11
What to do if you are ill
on the day of an exam
 If you are ill and are unable to attend an exam it is vital you phone the
School first thing in the morning (028 90428780) to inform us.
 You must also obtain a note from your doctor detailing the reason for
non-attendance. There is the possibility of submitting this note to the
Awarding Body to ask for Special Consideration. The Awarding Body
looks at this in conjunction with other exam marks from the student in
that particular subject, coursework marks and mock exam marks. This
will then sometimes enable them to adjust the mark and grade
accordingly.
 If you are feeling unwell, but still able to travel, I suggest you come to
the exam and we can assess the situation then. In most cases it is
better to take the exam if you can.
 If in doubt – PHONE THE SCHOOL
12
AFTER THE EXAMINATIONS
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
Results will be available for collection on:
Thursday 20 August 2015
From 8.45 am
If you wish any other person (including family members) to collect your results
on your behalf, you must give your written authorisation to school before
results day. See Appendix 3.
Candidates who do not collect their results on 21 August will receive
notification through the normal post. Letters will be posted on 21 August.
NO results will be given out by telephone under any circumstance.
POST RESULTS
If you need post results advice, Sullivan Upper teaching staff will be available
on Results Day.
If you wish to query an exam mark you can do so via the Enquiry about
Results Service (EAR’s). There are various services available, and your
options can be discussed with the Examinations Officer. There will be a
charge for any enquiry made to the Awarding Body.
Enquiry about Results
Clerical Check;
Remark;
Re-moderation of Coursework
13
Access to Scripts
Access to photocopy of re-marked script with mark scheme after re-mark;
Access to original script with mark scheme.
There is a charge for these services. The Awarding Bodies have set
deadlines for the submission of requests for remarks, access to scripts and
appeals. Information is issued with the results by the school regarding the
deadlines, cost and other matters relating to the Post-Result Services
available to pupils.
If a pupil has any concerns regarding the outcome of a re-mark, they should
contact Mrs Milligan as soon as possible to discuss the Appeals procedure set
up by the Awarding Bodies. Appeals are made by the school on the behalf of
the pupil. Please note that there is a deadline of 14 calendar days after the
receipt of the outcome of a remark in which the school may instigate an
appeal. Pupils may also wish to discuss their concerns with the relevant Head
of Department, but should not delay in informing Mrs Milligan of a possible
appeal being made.
14
The following information contains important information, provided by the
Awarding Organisations, for all candidates undertaking public examinations.
Please ensure that you read the regulations prior to the start of the summer
examination series, so you are familiar with what is expected of you.
15
Appendix 1
AQA City & Guilds CCEA Edexcel OCR WJEC
Information for candidates
For written examinations – effective from 1 September 2014
This document has been written to help you. Read it carefully and follow the instructions.
If there is anything you do not understand, especially which calculator you may use, ask
your teacher.
A Regulations – Make sure you understand the rules
1
Be on time for all your exams. If you are late, your work might not be accepted.
2
Do not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice during the exam.
3
If you try to cheat, or break the rules in any way, you could be disqualified from all your subjects.
4
You must not take into the exam room:
• notes;
• potential technological/web enabled sources of information such as an iPod, a mobile phone, a
MP3/4 player or a wrist watch which has a data storage device.
Any pencil cases taken into the exam room must be see-through.
Remember: possession of unauthorised material is breaking the rules, even if you do not intend to use it, and
you will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification.
5
Do not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens in your answers.
6
Do not talk to or try to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once the exam has started.
7
You must not write inappropriate, obscene or offensive material.
8
If you leave the exam room unaccompanied by an invigilator before the exam has finished, you will not be
allowed to return.
9
Do not borrow anything from another candidate during the exam.
B Information – Make sure you attend your exams and bring what you need
1
Know the dates and times of all your exams.
2
Arrive at least ten minutes before the start of each exam.
3
If you arrive late for an exam, report to the invigilator running the exam.
4
If you arrive more than one hour after the published starting time for the exam, you may not be allowed to take
it.
5
Only take into the exam room the pens, pencils, erasers and any other equipment which you need for the exam.
6
You must write in black ink. Coloured pencils or inks may only be used for diagrams, maps, charts, etc. unless
the instructions printed on the front of the question paper state otherwise.
C Calculators, Dictionaries and Computer Spell-checkers
1
You may use a calculator unless you are told otherwise.
2
If you use a calculator:
• make sure it works properly; check that the batteries are working properly;
• clear anything stored in it;
• remove any parts such as cases, lids or covers which have printed instructions or formulas;
• do not bring into the exam room any operating instructions or prepared programs.
3
Do not use a dictionary or computer spell checker unless you are told otherwise.
D Instructions during the exam
1
Always listen to the invigilator. Follow their instructions at all times.
2
Tell the invigilator at once:
• if you think you have not been given the right question paper or all of the materials listed on the front of the
paper;
• if the question paper is incomplete or badly printed.
3
4
Read carefully and follow the instructions printed on the question paper and/or on the answer booklet.
Fill in all the details required on the front of the question paper and/or the answer booklet before you start the
exam.
Make sure you fill these details in on any additional answer sheets that you use.
16
Appendix 1
5
6
Remember to write your answers within the designated sections of the answer booklet.
Do your rough work on the proper exam stationery. Cross it through and hand it in with your answers.
Make sure you add your candidate details to any additional answer sheets that you use.
E Advice and assistance
1
If on the day of the exam you feel that your work may be affected by ill health or any other reason, tell the
invigilator.
2
Put up your hand during the exam if:
• you have a problem and are in doubt about what you should do;
• you do not feel well;
• you need more paper.
3
You must not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation of the questions.
F At the end of the exam
1
If you have used more than one answer booklet and/or any loose sheets of paper, place them in the correct
order.
Remember to fasten them together with a treasury tag before you leave. Make sure you add your candidate
details to any additional answer sheets that you use.
2
Do not leave the exam room until told to do so by the invigilator.
3
Do not take from the exam room any stationery. This includes the question paper, answer booklets used or
unused, rough work or any other materials provided for the exam.
© 2014
17
Appendix 1
AQA City & Guilds CCEA Edexcel OCR WJEC
Information for candidates
For on-screen tests – effective from 1 September 2014
This document has been written to help you. Read it carefully and follow the instructions.
If there is anything you do not understand, ask your teacher.
A Regulations – Make sure you understand the rules
1
Be on time for your on-screen test(s). If you are late, your work might not be accepted.
2
Do not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice during the on-screen test.
3
If you try to cheat, or break the rules in any way, you could be disqualified from all your subjects.
4
Only take into the exam room the materials and equipment which are allowed.
5
You must not take into the exam room:
• notes;
• potential technological/web enabled sources of information such as an iPod, a mobile phone, a
MP3/4 player or a wrist watch which has a data storage device.
Unless you are told otherwise, you must not have access to:
• the Internet, e-mail, data stored on the hard drive, or portable storage media such as floppy disks, CDs and
memory sticks;
• pre-prepared templates.
Remember: possession of unauthorised material is breaking the rules, even if you do not intend to
use it, and you will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification.
6
Do not talk to or try to communicate with or disturb other candidates once the on-screen test has started.
7
If you leave the exam room unaccompanied by an invigilator before the on-screen test has finished, you will
not be allowed to return.
8
Do not borrow anything from another candidate during the on-screen test.
B Information – Make sure you attend your on-screen test and bring what you need
1
Know the date and time of your on-screen test(s).
2
Arrive at least ten minutes before the start of your on-screen test.
3
If you arrive late for an on-screen test, report to the invigilator running the test.
4
If you arrive more than one hour after the published starting time for the on-screen test, you may not be
allowed to take it.
5
Your centre will inform you of any equipment which you may need for the on-screen test.
C Calculators, Dictionaries and Computer Spell-checkers
1
You may use a calculator unless you are told otherwise.
2
If you use a calculator:
• make sure it works properly; check that the batteries are working properly;
• clear anything stored in it;
• remove any parts such as cases, lids or covers which have printed instructions or formulas;
• do not bring into the examination room any operating instructions or prepared programs.
3
Do not use a dictionary or computer spell checker unless you are told otherwise.
D Instructions during the on-screen test
1
Always listen to the invigilator. Follow their instructions at all times.
2
Tell the invigilator at once:
• if you have been entered for the wrong on-screen test;
• if the on-screen test is in another candidate’s name;
• if you experience system delays or any other IT irregularities.
3
You may be given a question paper or the instructions may be on-screen. In either case, read carefully and
follow the instructions.
E Advice and assistance
1
If on the day of the on-screen test you feel that your work may be affected by ill health or any other reason,
18
Appendix 1
2
tell the invigilator.
Put up your hand during the on-screen test if:
• you have a problem with your computer and are in doubt about what you should do;
• you do not feel well.
3
You must not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation of the questions.
F At the end of the on-screen test
1
Ensure that the software closes at the end of the on-screen test.
2
If you are required to print off work outside the time allowed for the on-screen test, ensure that you collect
your own work. You must not share your work with other candidates. Make sure that another candidate does
not collect your printout(s).
3
Do not leave the exam room until told to do so by the invigilator.
4
Do not take from the exam room any stationery.
This includes rough work, printouts or any other materials provided for the on-screen test.
© 2014
19
Appendix 1
Produced on behalf of: AQA, City & Guilds, CCEA, OCR, Pearson and WJEC
Information for candidates – Privacy Notice
General and Vocational Qualifications
The JCQ awarding bodies will process your personal data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the
Code of Practice issued by the qualification regulators of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Awarding bodies will undertake the following administrative activities in relation to the processing and exchange of
candidates’ personal data:
1.
Personal data relating to the name(s), date of birth, gender, unique candidate identifier (UCI) and unique
learner number (ULN) of an individual candidate will always be collected by an awarding body for the
purposes of examining and awarding qualifications. In some cases additional information, which may include
sensitive personal data relating to health, will also be collected to support requests for access arrangements
and reasonable adjustments and/or special consideration. Such personal data will be supplemented by the
results of examinations and assessments undertaken by the respective candidate.
2.
A candidate’s personal data will only be collected from registered examination centres in the context of
examination entries and/or certification claims.
3.
Such data collected will not be used by an awarding body other than for the administration of the
examinations process, conducting assessments and the certification of results claims.
4.
Personal data within candidates’ work will be collected and processed by an awarding body for the purposes
of marking, issuing of examination results and providing candidates with access to post-results services.
Examination results will be retained for a minimum of forty years.
In order for an awarding body to achieve this, some personal information may be transferred to third parties
such as examiners, who may in some instances, reside outside the European Economic Area.2
5.
Awarding bodies may be required to provide a candidate’s personal data to educational agencies such as DfE,
WG, DENI, The Skills Funding Agency, Ofqual, HESA, UCAS, Local Authorities, EFA and Learning Records
Service (LRS). Additionally, candidates’ personal data may be provided to a central record of qualifications
approved by the awarding bodies for statistical and policy development purposes.
6.
Some of the information candidates supply will be used by the Skills Funding Agency to fulfil its statutory
functions, issue/verify a candidate’s Unique Learner Number (ULN) and update/check a candidate’s Personal
Learning Record.
The Skills Funding Agency may share a candidate’s ULN and Personal Learning Record with other education
related organisations, such as a careers service, a candidate’s school or college, Government Departments
and public bodies responsible for education. Further details of how information is processed and shared can
be found at: http://www.learningrecordsservice.org.uk/
7.
Awarding bodies are obliged to confirm what personal data is held, what it is held for, to whom the data are
to/may be disclosed, and disclose the information that they hold about data subjects, (e.g. the candidates)
within 40 days of receiving a formal request for disclosure, subject to the application of any relevant
exemptions under the Data Protection Act 1998. Candidates should make an application to the appropriate
awarding body’s data protection officer. Awarding bodies may charge a fee for this service.
8.
If you have not reached the age of 16, you may first wish to discuss this Privacy Notice with your parent or
legal guardian.
Awarding bodies, schools, Department for Education (DfE), Welsh Government (WG), Department of Education
Northern Ireland (DENI), Local Authorities, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual),
Ofsted, and Skills Funding Agency (SFA) are all ‘data controllers’ under the Data Protection Act 1998 in that they
determine the purpose(s) for which ‘personal data’ (information about living individuals from which they can be
identified) is processed and the way in which that processing is undertaken.
It is a requirement for data controllers to provide data subjects (individuals who are the subject of personal data) with details
of who they are, the purposes for which they process the personal data, and any other information that is necessary to make
the processing of the personal data secure and accurate, including any third parties to whom it may be passed to
20
Appendix 1
AQA City & Guilds CCEA Edexcel OCR WJEC
Produced on behalf of: AQA, City & Guilds, CCEA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC
Information for candidates
Guidelines when referring to examinations/assessments through the
Internet
This document has been written to help you. Please read it carefully.
We all like to share our experiences when taking examinations. However, it is important to
consider what you say. Your comments may lead to an investigation for malpractice and
result in the application of a penalty.
Awarding bodies monitor social media and websites. They do not wish to see candidates
jeopardise their marks or grades as there are significant consequences for anyone caught
breaching the rules for examinations, controlled assessment or coursework.
The rules are set by the Joint Council for QualificationsCIC (JCQCIC) on behalf of all the
awarding bodies and can be found at: http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/malpractice.
Examples of statements or activities that will lead to a malpractice investigation include:
• copying or allowing work to be copied – i.e. posting written work on social
networking sites prior to an examination/assessment;
• collusion: working collaboratively with other candidates beyond what is
permitted;
• allowing others to help produce your work or helping others with theirs;
• being in possession of confidential material in advance of the examination;
• exchanging, obtaining, receiving or passing on information by any means of
communication (even if just attempting to);
• passing on rumours of exam content from another candidate.
This list is not exhaustive. Other instances of candidate malpractice may be
considered by an awarding body.
If you are found guilty of breaching any of these rules you could find yourself facing:
•
•
•
•
a warning;
the loss of marks for a section, component or unit;
disqualification from a unit, all units or qualifications; or
a ban from sitting exams for a set period of time.
You must familiarise yourself with the rules:
http://www.jcq.org.uk/exams-office/information-for-candidates-documents
Take care to avoid possible malpractice and the application of a penalty.
JCQcic 2014
21
Appendix 2
CONTACT DETAILS
NAME:...........................................................
FORM CLASS:..............
Sometimes in the past, students have had problems getting to an exam on
time. Although we encourage students to arrive in plenty of time for all exams
so that there isn’t a last minute panic, it is important that we have up-to-date
contact telephone numbers for both you and your parents, or anybody else
who might be able to help in an emergency.
If you are late for an exam, we may not be able to get the exam paper
accepted by the Awarding Body, Therefore we need to move fast if there is a
genuine problem.
I also suggest that you save the School telephone number on your mobile
phone (if you will be carrying one) so you can call in if you have a serious
problem on your journey to school (028 90428780).
Please can you complete the relevant information in the table below. This will
be kept confidentially within the School for the duration of the exams. The
School is registered under the Data Protection Act (1998) for holding personal
data. The School has a duty to protect this information and keep it up to date.
This sheet will be shredded after the examination period.
Home phone number
Student’s mobile number
Mother’s work number
Mother’s mobile number
Father’s work number
Father’s mobile number
Other Contact
Other Contact
Please return this form to Mrs Milligan, Exams Officer, via your form tutor.
22
Appendix 3
RESULTS
GCSE Results are received on Thursday 20 August 2015.
Students will be able to collect results in person. Any results which have not
been collected at that time will be put in the first-class post to the home
address.
If you want results collected by somebody different, or if you want them
posted to a different address, please complete the form below and return it to
Mrs P Milligan, Examinations Officer, Sullivan Upper School. Results will not
be given to any other person without this written consent.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of Student …………………………………………………………………….
Name of person collecting results (if not named student)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Address to which results should be sent (if not home address)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Signed (student)……………………………… Date……………………………….
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Appendix 4
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What do I do if there’s a clash on my timetable?
A. The school will re-schedule papers internally (on the same day) where
there is a clash of subject. Candidates will normally sit one paper then have a
break during which they will be supervised and must not have any
communication with other candidates. They will then sit the second subject
paper. Correct times should be on your individual candidate timetable. It may
be necessary for you to bring a packed lunch if you have exams in the
morning and afternoon as you will have to remain in isolation until both
examinations are completed. If in doubt consult the Examinations Officer.
Q. What do I do if I think I have the wrong paper?
A. Invigilators will ask you to check the paper before the exam starts. If you
think something is wrong put your hand up and tell the invigilator immediately.
Q. What do I do if I forget my Candidate Number?
A. Candidate numbers are printed on seating plans, which are displayed in
the exam rooms, and on attendance registers. Invigilators will be able to help
you find your number. Alternatively, you can check with the Main Office
before going into the exam room.
Q. What do I do if I forget the School Centre Number?
A. The Centre Number is 71564.
examination rooms.
It will be clearly displayed in the
Q. What do I do if I have an accident or am ill before the exam?
A. Inform the School at the earliest possible point so we can help or advise
you. In the case of an accident that means you are unable to write, it may be
possible to provide you with a scribe to write you answers but we will need as
much prior notice as possible. You may need to obtain medical evidence
(from your GP or hospital) if you wish the school to make an appeal for
Special Consideration on your behalf (See Below).
Q What is an Appeal for Special Consideration?
A. Special Consideration is an adjustment to the marks or grades of a
candidate who is eligible for consideration. The allowance for Special
Consideration is from 0% (consideration given but addition of marks
considered in appropriate) to 5% (reserved for exceptional cases). Parents
should be aware that any adjustment is likely to be small and no feedback is
ever provided. Candidates will only be eligible for Special Consideration if
they have been fully prepared and covered the whole course but performance
24
Appendix 4
in the examination or in the production of coursework is affected by adverse
circumstances beyond their control. Examples or such circumstances may be
illness, accident or injury, bereavement, domestic crisis. The Examination
Officer must be informed immediately, so that the necessary paperwork can
be completed (within 7 days of the last exam session for each subject) and
the candidate will be required to provide evidence to support such an
application.
Q. What do I do if I feel ill during the exam?
A. Put your hand up and an invigilator will assist you. You should inform an
invigilator if you feel ill before or during an exam and you fell this may have
affected your performance.
Q If I am late can I still sit the examination?
A. Provided you are not more than 1 hour late, it may still be possible for you
to sit the examination. You should get to school as quickly as possible and
report to Reception. A member of staff will escort you to the exam room. You
must not enter an examination room without permission after an examination
has begun. If may not be possible to allow you any extra time if you start the
examination late.
You should also be aware that if you start the exam more than 30 minutes
after the published start time, the school must inform the Exam Board and it is
possible that the Board my decide not to accept you work. Please ensure that
you allow enough time to get to school so that if you delayed (e.g. through
transport problems) you will still arrive on time.
Q. If I miss the examination can I take it on another day?
A. NO. Timetables are regulated by the Awarding Bodies and you must attend
on the given date and time.
Q. Do I have to wear school uniform?
A. Yes. Normal school regulations apply to uniform.
Q. How do I know how long the exam is?
A. The length of the examination is shown in minutes on your individual
timetable under the heading ‘duration’. Invigilators will tell you when to start
and finish the exam. They will write the finish time of the exam on a flip chart
or board at the front of the exam room. There will be a clock in all the
examination rooms.
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Appendix 4
Q. Can I go to the toilet during the exam?
A. If it is absolutely necessary. You will be escorted by an invigilator and will
not be allowed any extra time.
Q If I have more than one exam on a day can I get lunch at school?
A. Pupils who have examinations in the morning and afternoon sessions may
obtain lunch from the dining hall in the usual way or bring a packed lunch.
Q. Why do I need to check my Statement of Entry?
A. The details on your Statement of Entry will be used when certificates are
printed. If the name or date of birth on your certificate does not match your
birth certificate it could cause you problems if you are asked to show your
certificates to a potential employer of college/university at some time in the
future. You should also check that the subjects and tiers of entry you are
entered for are correct and that no subjects are missing.
26
Appendix 5
EXAM CHECK LIST
Aim to arrive at school 20 minutes prior to an exam AT THE
LATEST. It is much better to leave yourself a safety margin
on timings in case of problems with the journey.
When taking exams, bags and coats should be left at the
back of the room. Because of this, there are some things to
be considered – money, keys, valuables etc. I would
suggest that you keep money and keys with you.
Phones – Students must not have mobile phones in their
possession (either on or off). They can be handed in for
safe keeping during the exam if necessary. This is very
important – if a phone is found, there is a good chance that
your whole exam will be cancelled.
You are not allowed to have notes, pagers, IPods, MP3
players in you possession.
You should bring a pen, pencil, rubber and any other writing
equipment needed to your exams. Only clear pencil cases
are allowed on your desk, any others should be left in your
bag. Do not use gel pens – this is because many of the
exam papers are now scanned and sent electronically for
marking – gel pens do not scan well.
In an exam where you have the use of a calculator, you
should not have a calculator cover on your desk.
There is absolutely no talking or communication between
students once you enter the exam hall. If you have any
questions, you should raise your hand once seated and an
invigilator will come to you.
No food allowed in the exam hall (if you have a special
requirement – please see Mrs Milligan, Exams Officer,
before the exams).
Water bottles are allowed in the exam hall if necessary.
These should be clear bottles will a spill-proof cap. There
should be no label on the bottle.
27